I built a powder coating oven that uses a pid controller and ssr to control the temperature via 240vac elements. I'm using an ssr with a computer heatsink and fan for cooling.

The question that has come up is if it is appropriate to use an ssr that does zero cross trigger switching to control a 240vac heating element. Obviously the ssr only switches one 120vac leg of the circuit, the other leg is directly connected to the other terminal of the element. Does this setup contribute to premature ssr failure? Thanks

It's a rather simple pid (TC-408) and the instruction manual doesn't clearly state, but I believe it uses on/off control. Nothing in the manual talks about the ability to control the ssr output contacts nor is there any mention of PWM or phase control capabilities. It simply outputs 8vdc to control an ssr.